East Fife fans “overwhelmed” by fundraising support

Melanie Lothian, along with friend Mandy Stevenson, set up an online donation page where fans can chip in to help with costs while the club is on lockdown.

An original target of £5000 has already been smashed and sights are now being set on reaching five figures.

Melanie, who only started going down to Bayview a couple of seasons ago when her son Wallace started working at games as a ball boy, says she and Mandy simply felt they had to do something.

“I couldn’t believe how friendly everybody was down at Bayview and by chance, after a lovely chat with the late Dennis Cook, who became a great friend, I started doing the Goldmine Lotto and have been an agent for over a year,” said Melanie.

“Everybody made me feel so welcome, it’s like one big extended family.”

Countless clubs are now having to turn to supporters to help out with essential bills while the turnstiles and bars are closed.

The four figure fundraising target to help East Fife out while the coronavirus pandemic sweeps the country is now heading towards £10,000.

Bayview fans have really got behind the proposal, with even Raith supporters chipping in too.

Now organiser Melanie wants to generate more cash for the club.

She said: “After the club was closed due to Covid 19, myself and Mandy were chatting about how we could help it out.

“We decided to set up a Gofundme page just to help ease the strain slightly with the club.

“So that’s what we did.

“Mandy is a senior carer at Scoonie Care Home and is a key worker so I am doing the Gofundme page and keeping her updated.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generous donations that we have received from everyone near and far and hope it continues.

“We smashed the target of £5000 so decided to increase it to £10,000.

“I have also been going round my local area in Windygates dressed as Eric the Eagle (East Fife mascot) just to spread some smiles around the village.

“It has worked a treat.

“I’ve also sent a few birthday messages to folk who can’t celebrate how they would like to.”

After getting involved with the Bayview club as a Goldmine Lotto agent, Melanie has been doing as much as she can to help out behind the scenes.

She says the people around the club make it a pleasure to spend time at Bayview.

“I started working behind the bar at East Fife near the end of last year when Mandy was looking for bar staff.

“For the last few weeks before the club was shut I was volunteering, helping with odd jobs around the stadium along with the other great volunteers and directors on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“I couldn’t believe how friendly and welcoming every single person who is attached to Bayview was, especially Leona and Carolyn who work in the office and Jim Stevenson (chairman) and his lovely wife Anne - they all made me feel so welcome.

“Dave Brodie (kit man) has become a special friend to me. He is in self isolation at the moment so me and my friend Dosh are shopping for him and making sure he’s okay.

“It’s such an unpredictable situation we have all found ourselves in and I hope everyone is keeping safe and well.”

Mandy says she’s looking forward to seeing familiar faces at Bayview again soon.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated - I can’t wait to get back behind the bar,” she said.

The fundraising page is still online for anyone who would like to donate.

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/supportthemightyfife.